Pharmacological investigation on acute and sub-acute studies of Arsenicum album in Experimental Rats

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Arsenic album in its various potencies are frequently prescribed by homoeopathic practitioners for wide range of human anomaly in everyday life. However, reports on safety and effects of Arsenic album are not available till date to support its usage. Therefore the objective of study is to evaluate the acute and subacute oral toxicity of Arsenic albumin 6C, 30C and 200C in experimental rats. Materials and Methods Arsenic album (6C, 30C, 200C) was administered orally at 2000 µl/kg to access acute toxicity in Wistar rats and observed for toxic signs up to 14 days. For subacute oral toxicity study, it was administered for 28 days. Animals were observed for clinical signs, change in body weights, feed intake and water intake. Hematological, biochemical, organ weight, histopathological analysis were assessed. Results No mortality at a dose of 2000 µl/kg of Arsenic album in acute toxicity study, which indicates that oral LD50 of arsenic album (6C, 30C, 200C) is > 2000 µl/kg. In subacute toxicity study, Arsenic album (6C, 30C, 200C) orally at 200 µl/kg did not show any significant changes in body weight, feed consumption, water intake, hematological and biochemical parameters compared to normal group. Furthermore, no pathological changes were observed in histopathology of treated rats compared to normal group. Conclusion Collectively, results suggest that the Arsenic album (6C, 30C, 200C) is safe and produces no toxicity when administered for prolonged duration at 200 µl/kg in Wistar albino rats.